IUP Latin American Studies Newshttp://www.iup.edu/templates/news-item.aspx?blogid=3943
News from Latin American Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.2016-12-09T20:18:06.3623867Zen-US

Face Painting for Día de los Muertos, Day of the Deadhttp://www.iup.edu/templates/news-item.aspx?id=230140&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Bruce V. Dries2016-11-16T18:25:29ZTo help celebrate the 2016 Day of the Dead, face painters set up their open studio on the round outdoor tables in front of the IUP Humanities and Social Sciences building.

People passing by got into the Día de los
Muertos mode on November 2 by getting their face painted like a sugar skull.

Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout many Latin American countries, in particular those with a highly indigenous population. It is celebrated on November 1 and November 2. During those days it is believed that the souls of the loved ones return to earth to visit
with and provide advice to the family left behind.

Normally during the Days of the Dead, the family visits the graveyard to decorate the loved one’s grave with flowers and candles, often eating at the gravesite and telling stories about the one who has passed. If visiting the grave site is not possible, or in
addition to visiting the graveyard, altars are made in the home. The family usually decorates the altars with flowers, candles, favorite food dishes and treats the loved one enjoyed in life, and a picture of the deceased.

Painting faces and eating sugar skulls is all part of celebrating and of understanding that death is part of the circle of life. To acknowledge death’s existence is to learn to respect the brevity of life without fear.

Visit
Día de los Muertos for pictures and videos from previous IUP Day of the Dead celebrations.

]]>Goff Presents on Contemporary Mexico and Mexican Political Satirehttp://www.iup.edu/templates/news-item.aspx?id=230125&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Bruce V. Dries2016-11-16T16:26:29ZEach year,
Latin American Studies hosts Latin American events or invites guest speakers to campus to talk about topics of general interest on Latin America. The purpose is to enhance the LAS program with a flow of outside ideology that will encourage students to learn more about
Latin America. Charlie Goff, an educator, tour leader, storyteller, translator, and interpreter of Mexican life and culture, visited IUP for two days in November 2016. During his visit, Goff gave two formal presentations and one informal Q&A session for IUP and Indiana community members.

On November 1, people poured into and packed room 126 in the Humanities and Social Sciences building as Goff presented “Contemporary Mexico: A Land of Contradictions.” Goff began his presentation by stating that the United States and Mexico are two neighbors, living side by side, yet so different that neither of them understands the other.

The United States is an approximately 200-year old country, while Mexico is 1,000 years old. According to Goff, one is a first world country, while the other is bordering on third world.

To be able to understand the Mexico of today is to understand that contemporary Mexico is ruled by its 1917 constitution, which is a result of the Mexican Revolution. The constitution hinges on socialism.

Goff had his audience’s attention as he continued explaining Mexico’s various political parties with their emblems and representative colors: PRI—the Mexican flag colors, PAN—Virgin Mary colors, PRD—black and yellow colors, and so on. He then went on to explain that every
person’s vote is of equal value; therefore, the presidential candidate who has the most votes wins.

While Goff had much to say on Mexican politics and kept his audience suspended, he encouraged all to read La Jornada, one of Mexico’s liberal newspapers, and its conservative counterpart Reforma.

“The Mexican Calacas (Skulls): Political Satire in the Media,” presented on November 2, was successful among the inquisitive, learning minds that filled room 126 once again.

Some of the audience attendees were repeat members from the day before, while others were new to the Goff presentations. Even the Llorona came to the presentations (pictured below).

In “The Mexican Calacas (skulls)…” Goff introduced the calaca as the skull or a skeleton to the audience. He also shared the word calavera, which means skull as well.

The calaveras or calacas in journalism are short rhyming poems. These short lyrical obituaries are comical as they satirize the living. The witty calavera poems are only published on November 1.

Journalists write these short obituaries to poke fun at politicians, elite, and the like. Goff showed a series of different cartoons of living Mexican politicians and translated each short, yet amusing, death announcement.

The last two politicians were D. Trump and H. Clinton. Goff translated all of the calaveras for the public and stated, “sadly, they don’t rhyme in English.” Below are H. Clinton and D. Trump’s calaveras as presented by Goff:

The laid-back Q&A session, “Meet Charlie: An American Anthropologist Living in Mexico,” on November 2 was held in a corner sitting area in the foyer of the Humanities and Social Sciences building.

When Goff arrived at the building, people were already waiting for him on the couches. As soon as he took a seat, questions started flowing and an engaging dialog erupted. A constant stream of attendees came and went during Goff’s two-hour session. Questions and comments varied from how Goff celebrates Christmas in Mexico to NAFTA.

Among the many questions posed during the session was the safety of Mexico as a destination for U.S. students. Goff shared his perspective, saying that Mexico is as safe as anywhere else in the world today. As with any unknown new experience, common sense and caution should reign.

Charlie Goff is an educator, tour leader, storyteller, translator, and interpreter of Mexican life and culture. He is one of the founders of the Cemanahuac Educational Community, a Spanish language school in Cuernavaca, Mexico. He writes “Charlie’s Digs,” a column in the News,
Mexico’s largest English language newspaper. In the legal field, he is a death penalty mitigation investigation specialist focused on cases involving Spanish-speaking defendants.

Goff has spent all but five years of his life in Latin America. He was born in Colombia—where he lived until completing high school. Cuernavaca has been his home for 44 years.

]]>Choral Chapter To Go Multilingual Carolinghttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=209031&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-12-06T19:44:48ZThe Student Chapter of the American Choral Director's Association, under the direction of
Craig Denison,
Department of Music, will be caroling in English, Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese, and French on Thursday, December 10.

The caroling will begin at 3:30 p.m. on the ground floor of Sutton Hall and continue to all floors. Around 4:15 the carolers will reach the
University Museum and continue singing until 4:30.

Festivities include Mexican hot chocolate and a drawing at 4:15 for several gift items. (Visitors entering the museum from 3:30–4:15 will be issued tickets for the drawing.)

]]>A Workshop: Mayan Numbershttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=208843&blogid=3943
On Friday, December 4, Francisco Alarcón,
Department of Mathematics, will give an overview of the Mayan number system and will conduct a hands-on workshop on Mayan addition and subtraction in the University Museum.]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-12-02T20:34:25Z

On Friday, December 4, Francisco Alarcón,
Department of Mathematics, will give an overview of the Mayan number system and will conduct a hands-on workshop on Mayan addition and subtraction.

]]>Virtual Tour to the Cloud Forest in Hondurashttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=208494&blogid=3943
Join Josiah Townsend
for a virtual expedition to the mountains of the Honduran cloud forest
in “Endemic Biodiversity in Indigenous Landscapes”
on Wednesday, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. in the University Museum.]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-11-30T08:04:13ZJoin Josiah Townsend,
Department of Biology, for a virtual expedition to the mountains of the Honduran cloud forest on Wednesday, December 2, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. in the University Museum, Sutton Hall.

Townsend will show the new discoveries of more than 15 new species of amphibians and reptiles in the Texiguat Wildlife Refuge and in the Cacique Lempira Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2015.

]]>St. Francis University World Drumming Ensemble and Dance Performance a High-Energy Hithttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=208484&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-11-27T22:02:02ZOn November 9, 2015, the St. Francis World Drumming Ensemble, directed by multi-platinum recording
artist and St. Francis instructor Jim Donovan, gave a high-energy performance at IUP. The
ensemble performance group was comprised of students, faculty, staff, and
members of the local community of Ebensburg and Loretto, Pa.

As the drummers
swiftly moved in to McVitty auditorium with their Djembe drums and accommodated
themselves in an organized cluster on the right side of the auditorium, below
the stage, it was a sight in itself, captivating the spectators’ attention—and
the show had not yet begun. Spectators were finding their way into the auditorium as well.

Then, the
dance group found their space on the stage. Dressed in black leotards and
colorful scarf-like skirts, they swirled, practicing a few of their moves.

It was time to start—everyone was in their place. A brief introduction to the group, and, as soon as
the last word was pronounced—Bum! Brrum!! Brrrumble!!! The drums rumbled and
shook McVitty. Donovan gave hand signals to start and end the drumming.

Donovan explained that drumming is a group experience.
As an icebreaker to meeting people and bonding, he asked the audience to rub their
hands as if warming them, and then to turn to their back and meet the person
behind them to create a bond of positive energy. The rubbing of the hands was
only the beginning of the interactive, multicultural drum concert.

The St. Francis World Drumming Ensemble gave an
exhilarating, enchanting, and engaging show. The audience was drawn to the
music and visual dance. The infectious energy touched the audience with their
joy, resulting in a truly delightful hour.

The last performance was getting everyone involved to
dance. Though there were shy audience members, the dance group managed to pull a
crowd to join them up front and in the back of the auditorium. Most notable, the St. Francis
World Drumming Ensemble united audience members through the powerful act of
community drumming.

Then, just like that the performance was over. It felt as
though they had only played for 20 minutes when, in fact, an entire hour had
gone by. It was a mesmerizing and incredibly powerful percussive and dance
performance that stunned the audience. Audience members walked out with smiles
on their faces, indicative of a job well done.

]]>Children's Workshop Held for Day of the Deadhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=208069&blogid=3943
Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-11-17T19:33:09ZOn Nov. 7, the Student
Chapter of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) gave a Children’s
workshop on Day of the Dead.

The five members of
the NAEA Children’s Workshop were Kathryn Close (president), Liz Frank (vice-president),
Abby Krick, Leah Lavrine, and Beth Brenchak. All from the Department of Art.

The workshop started
out with lively Spanish music as the five members of the NAEA waited for the
young participants to arrive. The workshop began with a story time video on “A Gift for Abuelita.” The short video was an adaption from
the book by the same title.

The video was an excellent choice as it helped the children
process loss of a loved one, such as the character Abuelita. Though there is sorrow, the video explained the meaning of
Day of the Dead through Rosita, the main character. Rosita learns of reuniting
with Abuelita on Day of the Dead; therefore,
there is joy at the end of the video.

After the short video, the five NAEA members took the children to the University Museum for a tour and
to get inspired from the Latin American art pieces.

Although, the workshop was for young children, some IUP
students wandered in to the workshop. They were curious about it. They joined
the activities too. When asked what they thought of the workshop, a similar
response resonated from all of them: “It’s relaxing.” Indeed the environment
was serene, returning back to a time where only colored glue and cutting paper were
the issues at hand.

The activities of the
day were making paper flowers and making paper skeletons while munching on a
snack and listening to Spanish music in the background.

Before anyone could blink an eye, the workshop was over. Or
perhaps being around the stress free little people, time didn’t matter in the peaceful
environment.

]]>More Than 20 Public Ofrendas Made During Day of the Deadhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=207675&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-11-10T19:01:58ZThe altars were nicely displayed for viewing in the Blue Room on Nov. 2 and 3.

There were many thought provoking themes,
such as alcoholism, language annihilation, and suicide prevention.

While some displays captured a single family member in time, other ofrendas paid tribute
to a political, gender, social figure or hero of the world; such as those from McNair,
LASo, Anthropology. Ofrendas are
works of ephemeral art and all of the altars on display reflected the collective
creativity of their creators.

There was a drawing to vote for the best ofrenda display. The Department of
Religious Studies won with a whopping 52 percent of the votes. Their altar honored
various religious traditions and theological orientations, even Dr. Theresa Smith’s
pet toy made it to the altar.

The winning group
received a $35.00 gift card from Tres Amigos Restaurant.

We thank everyone for giving us the opportunity to commemorate
their loved one or strong feelings about a theme using one of our Latin
American traditions.

Ofrendas can be as
elaborate or as humble as the maker chooses them to be. There is no right way or wrong way to display
the ofrenda. It is remembering that
the loved one is still with us that counts.

]]>Molina Presents on Visiting the Cemetery and Building Altars as Part of Day of the Deadhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=207509&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-11-09T01:29:33ZOn Monday, Nov. 2, Hilario Molina from the
Department of Sociology presented on visiting the cemetery and building altars in Mexico as part of the Day of the Dead.

A lit candle will help the spirit find his way back to the material world, stated Molina. A glass of water and a small amount of sugar for the returning soul should also be placed at the altar. The water is to help re-hydrate the soul from his long journey, and the sugar is to give him energy to return back to the spiritual
world.

Molina described his presentation from an auto-ethnography point of view. His collective information was of his personal experience and information that he had gathered from his family and friends regarding visiting the cemetery and altar building.

Masks or painted faces are used to not scare the spirit away, and favorite foods, along with beloved objects of the loved one are placed on the altar. The deceased has not been forgotten.

All of Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead and visits the cemetery to commemorate their loved ones. Depending on the social class, the rituals very, according to Molina. The lower income class tend to be more expressive; crying aloud with an occasional celebratory grito (yell), while the upper class
members tend to be more reserved in their celebration. They tend to be less emotional, showing a stiff upper crust that they so desire to portray. In all, everyone in Mexico memorializes the return of their loved one.

]]>O’Donnell Presents on Fair Trade Improving Someone’s Life in a Developing Countryhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=207505&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-11-09T01:01:37Z“Weaving is like a collective form of resistance and strength that belongs to the private space of indigenous women” (Rosalinda Santiz Díaz), was the quote that began Kate O’Donnell’s presentation on Tuesday, November 3, in the Blue Room.

O’Donnell explained that Rosalinda is one of the women who forms the Cooperative Jolom Mayaetik. Jolom Mayaetik is a space where Mayan indigenous women come together to socialize, to work out their problems, to educate themselves, and to create a business together. Together, these women have strength and are
able to create their business of textile weaving, where as individually they would not be able to. The Cooperative is run solely by women as O’Donnell related.

Jolom Mayaetik is located in the most southern state of Mexico; it is in the state of Chiapas, where one fourth of the population for this area lives in poverty. The Cooperative Jolom Mayaetik is a way of helping the indigenous women be financially independent to feed their family.

O’Donnell explained that since her involvement with the Cooperative, she has become a type of advisor and liaison for the indigenous women. She advises them on the United States’ preferences of styles and colors to help the women sell their textiles in
the U.S. at a fair trade.

In short, O’Donnell described fair trade as a movement to help end world poverty and to help treat people from developing countries with dignity and respect. In other words, fair trade is a way to improve someone’s life from around the world. Then, the
speaker asked the audience to think about fair trade products, such as chocolate, coffee, textiles, cotton, and certain fruits, such as bananas—many of these products come from developing countries.

Her message that night was to inform and encourage the audience to get involved in fair trade. Fair trade could even start on campus. She reported that Aramark participates in fair trade business, and, if asked, they would provide fair trade products just as they do at her college, Hartwick
College.

O’Donnell also brought some of the Jolom Mayaetik women’s textiles for sale. People bought some of the colorful, beautiful Mayan textiles before and after her presentation.

]]>Skeletons in the Oak Grove, Fiesta at the Museumhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=207392&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-11-05T15:45:23ZThe Day of the Dead was fiesta time in the Oak Grove and at the IUP Museum on Saturday, October 31.

People crowded in front of Fisher Auditorium, having their faces painted and waiting anxiously for “it” to happen.

Suddenly, to the left of Fisher, rhythmic drumming sounds could be heard coming from a skeleton group, dressed in black with white skeleton-painted faces.

The amazing IUP Steel Band Drummers materialized, giving samples of their talents and catching everyone’s eye. As the Steel Band Drummers reached Fisher, trumpets began sounding from the right side of Sutton Hall. From the museum doors, four musicians elegantly dressed in black
and silver-studded charro suits advanced towards the crowd. Mariachi Zelaya announced their integration to the procession.

Approximately 150 IUP and community members joined the Skeleton Procession. The Mariachis headed the parade, the IUP Steel Band Drummers ended the parade (video), and giant puppet heads, Joan VanDyke (Department of Theater
and Dance), Liz Keller’s dance group, and other IUP and community participants sandwiched the middle of the procession (video).

The procession wrapped around the Oak Grove, starting from Fisher Auditorium, moving towards Sutton Hall, then walking towards Wayne Ave. As the procession turned left at Waller Hall, traffic stopped to take pictures and watch in amazement. From Waller Hall, the Skeleton Procession walked straight into the
IUP Museum.

The participants dissembled and dispersed throughout the museum, looking at the Latin American artifacts, picking up a bite to eat, and continuing the celebration. The traditional Mexican food was prepared by Professor Jodie Seybold and her students from the Department of Food and Nutrition.

Just as ghosts, the Steel Band Drummers disappeared, leaving their vibrant spirit. The lively Mariachi Zelaya continued playing folkloric Mexican songs throughout the evening, in addition to boleros, canciónesrancheras, danzones, and tango. The public began asking for
special song requests. The last song request and song played was Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” (video).

Roughly 250 people packed into the Museum, and towards the end of the Day of the Dead festivity, participants danced and sang with the Mariachis (video).

It was 8:30 p.m. and time to lock up the museum, but no one wanted to leave. They wanted the fiesta to continue. It was a night to remember.

]]>St. Francis University’s Drumming Ensemble to Performhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=207082&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-11-04T18:31:43ZJam with African drum and dance performances by the St.
Francis University World Drumming Ensemble, led by music director Jim Donovan
and the West African Dance Ensemble.

Monday, November 9, McVitty Auditorium in Sprowls Hall.

Note Time Change:

]]>Presentation on “African Heritage in Latin America”http://www.iup.edu/templates/news-item.aspx?id=207077&blogid=3943
]]>Ms. Jessica M. Groll2015-11-04T18:01:21ZThe presentation is a multimedia exploration of how people of African descent arrived in the Americas and had an impact on the cultures of various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, especially in the areas of music, religion, language, and celebrations.

]]>Children’s Workshop: Day of the Deadhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=207016&blogid=3943
Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-11-03T17:49:20ZJoin Kathrine Close, president, and other members of the award-winning IUP chapter of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) on Saturday, Nov. 7, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., for a children’s workshop on Day of the Dead.

The activities include story reading, a handcraft pertaining to Day of the Dead, and a tour of the University Museum exhibition titled Walk Through Latin America, which includes
a traditional Mexican ofrenda.

The children’s workshop will be held in the Art Education Room (room 213) in Sprowls Hall. Look for directional signs posted.

Appropriate for children in kindergarten through grade 5, the workshop is free of charge.

]]>Honor Your Loved Ones: Build an Ofrenda (Altar)http://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=206475&blogid=3943
Día de los Muertos, known in the United States as Day of the
Dead, is a
spirited, festive celebration of life and a time of remembrance in honor
of the dead. One way to remember and honor the deceased is
building an altar (Ofrenda) on November 2.]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-10-27T15:50:30ZDía de los Muertos, known in the United States as Day of the Dead, has origins in Mexico that date back thousands of years. It is a spirited, festive celebration of life and a time of remembrance in honor of the dead. One of the ways to remember and honor the deceased is building an altar (Ofrenda).

If you are
interested, we invite you to build an ofrenda for a loved one and share with others to see. You can build one on your own, or build one
with a group and/or organization. Create a traditional Día de los
Muertos Ofrenda or choose a theme. For
example, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. You could choose pink flowers, pink candles,
etc. together with pictures of family or friends who have lost their battle
with breast cancer (los difuntos).

The ofrenda (altar) exhibit will be held in the Blue Room in Sutton Hall. Setup of the ofrendas is on November 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Ofrenda Exhibition starts at 3:00 p.m.

]]>Day of the Dead Skeleton Processional Gathering at Fisher Auditoriumhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=206472&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-10-27T15:46:26ZJoin IUP and community members in a memorable parade on October 31 where the incredible IUP Steel Band Drummers and the Mariachi Band Zelaya from Indianapolis, Indiana, will be performing. The parade is a participatory, multisensory experience with musicians, dancers, giant puppets, and
skeleton-clad participants of all ages. Wear your best muerto or Catrina costume and join the parade, or view and cheer from the sidelines.

Assemble in front of Fisher Auditorium at 4:30 p.m. for free face painting.

The processional (parade) begins at 5:45 p.m. and winds through the Oak Grove, ending in front of Sutton Hall at 6:15 p.m. to join the opening reception of the
Walk Through Latin America museum exhibition. All are welcome.

]]>Giant Puppet Heads Completed for Day of the Dead Skeleton Processionalhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=206391&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-10-26T13:47:35ZThe last session of the giant puppet head construction was on Saturday, October 24, in the back of Waller Hall. The puppets will be used for the Day of the Dead parade through the Oak Grove on October
31.

Participants worked arduously on their puppets while singing to the tunes of Vicente Fernández. After three hours of painting and rigging, the puppets were complete. The participants felt a sense of accomplishment, especially after three consecutive Saturdays dedicated to their art pieces.

]]>Day of the Dead Processional (Parade) Dance Workshophttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=205537&blogid=3943
Joan Van Dyke and Liz Keller held the Movement Dance Workshop on Friday, October 16. Participants learned dance routines for the upcoming Day of the Dead Parade through the Oak Grove on October 31.]]>Mr. Bruce V. Dries2015-10-20T15:33:03ZJoan Van Dyke and Liz Keller held the Movement Dance Workshop on Friday, October 16.

Participants learned dance routines for the upcoming Day of the Dead Parade on October 31, 2015.

]]>Giant Puppet Heads Being Built for Skeleton Processionhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=205405&blogid=3943
Participants in a three-part puppet workshop are learning
techniques for making paper maché puppets, which will be used for the Day of the Dead parade through the Oak Grove on October
31.]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-10-16T13:26:18ZThe first part of the three-part Puppet Workshop started the
Latin American events for fall 2015.

While participants learned basic
techniques for making paper maché puppets, they chatted, laughed and built
camaraderie.

The puppets will be used for the Day of the Dead parade on October
31.

]]>Alarcón Serving on International Mathematics Education Advisory Teamhttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=205380&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2015-10-15T22:49:42ZFrancisco Alarcón of the
Mathematics Department is part of a six-person advisory team to the Galápagos Conservancy and the Ministry of Education of Ecuador.

The Education for Sustainability in Galápagos Program (ESG Program) is a public-private initiative. The ESG Program is a collaboration of Ecuador’s Ministry of Education, the Galapagos Governing Council, the Galapagos Conservancy (based in Va.), and the Scalesia Foundation (based in the Galápagos).

The six-person math advisory team has been selected by Teachers2Teachers International nonprofit organization, and it will provide ongoing advise and professional development to the teachers in the Galápagos Islands.

In September the team conducted a two-week trip to meet with Ministry of Education representatives, assess the status of Mathematics Education in the Galápagos, and conduct six two-hour workshops.

]]>Latin American Art Exhibition Needs Navidad Itemshttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=192069&blogid=3943
Matthew Burglund2015-04-17T13:58:26ZThe
Latin American Studies program is partnering with the University Museum to
produce “Walk Through Latin America,” an exhibition of art, artifacts, and
culture.

We are in need of items for the exhibition’s Navidad display in late
November. If you have Navidad-themed art, decorations, handcrafts, or artifacts
and would consider loaning them for the display, please contact Bill Double at william.double@yahoo.com.

]]>Alumna Black Speaks on Child Immigration from Central Americahttp://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=183654&blogid=3943
]]>Mr. Christopher Michael Brown2014-11-10T13:47:46ZBeverly Black, a lawyer from Philadelphia, Pa., will speak on “The Law and Immigration of Central American Children to the United States.” Her presentation will be held on Monday, November 17, in the HUB Delaware room at 4:30 p.m.

Black graduated cum laude from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1979 and made the decision to travel throughout Latin America and the Pacific Northwest during her 20’s. After she returned home, fluent in Spanish, Black continued her education at Temple University School of Law (presently Beasely School of Law), JD and graduated in 1992. Only a year later, she opened her own immigration law firm in Northeast Philadelphia. Over the years, Black has been able to expand her law firm, opening a second office in Colmar, Montgomery County, and a third office in Lehigh Valley.

Black’s areas of expertise fall under immigration, domestic relations (including divorce), child support and child custody, wills and probate, elder law, social security disability, and criminal law; however, approximately 75 percent of her work regards immigration law. She maintains a strong desire to assist immigrant populations and provide them with guidance that will enable a sustainable future.

Another way in which Dr. Black contributes to immigrant populations (especially Latino populations) is through “La Migra y Tu,” a Spanish column under the Impacto Latin newspaper. Through this column, she was able to reach out to Latin populations that needed support, guidance, and information on how to handle various legal issues.

In addition to her work, Black holds memberships with the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and American bar associations, American Immigration Lawyers, and the National Academy of Elder law Attorneys.